Maximizing Points and Miles for Travel to Japan in 2024

This series on credit cards, points and miles, and travel budgeting is presented in collaboration with The Points Guy.

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With its rich culture, delicious cuisine, and breathtaking landscapes, it’s easy to see why Japan attracts travelers from across the globe. From historic temples to vibrant cities, there’s something for everyone, making it an ideal destination for an unforgettable vacation. However, Japan can also be quite pricey, given the high costs of food, accommodation, and airfare. The answer? Points and miles.

Utilizing points and miles for your trip to Japan allows you to immerse yourself in this captivating country's culture, cuisine, and natural wonders without overspending. With many airline rewards programs offering round-trip flights from North America for as little as 40,000 miles, you can turn your dream getaway into reality with a little strategic planning.

By leveraging airline loyalty programs or enrolling in credit cards with substantial rewards, there are numerous opportunities for budget-conscious travelers seeking an affordable adventure in Japan.

Here’s everything you need to know about visiting Japan using points and miles:

How to utilize points and miles to reduce travel expenses

The most affordable award flights to Japan using points and miles

Booking a flight to Japan with airline miles is quite feasible, as numerous airlines operate routes to Osaka and the two Tokyo airports (Haneda and Narita). Award rates are also reasonable for international travel, particularly in business and first class.

Here’s a breakdown of the cheapest award flights to Japan by airline, along with methods to accumulate the necessary miles through credit card sign-up bonuses:

• Lowest economy class fare to Japan: 40,000-55,000 ANA miles for a round-trip

• Lowest business class fare to Japan: 75,000-90,000 ANA miles for a round-trip

• Lowest first-class fare to Japan: 140,000 Alaska's Mileage Plan miles for a round-trip

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All Nippon Airways (ANA) Mileage Club

All Nippon Airways, a Star Alliance member based in Japan, offers numerous direct flight options. The ANA Mileage Club provides some of the most competitive mileage rates to Japan, beginning at just 40,000 miles for a round-trip in economy class. ANA employs a seasonal award chart, with rates fluctuating based on low, regular, and high seasons.

• Economy Class: 40,000-55,000 miles round-trip

• Business Class: 75,000-90,000 miles round-trip

• First Class: 150,000-165,000 miles round-trip

Earning ANA miles is straightforward, especially with a 1:1 transfer partnership with American Express Membership Rewards. With the current welcome bonuses from American Express, you could secure up to two round-trip tickets to Japan using points alone. Here’s a list of credit cards that allow you to earn Membership Rewards points transferable to ANA Mileage Plan:

• The Business Platinum Card® from American Express: Receive 150,000 Membership Rewards® points after spending $20,000 on eligible purchases within the first 3 months of membership.

• The Platinum Card® from American Express: Gain 80,000 points after spending $8,000 in the first six months of card membership.

• American Express® Business Gold Card: Earn 100,000 Membership Rewards® points after $15,000 in eligible purchases within the first 3 months of membership.

• American Express® Gold Card*: Earn 60,000 Membership Rewards® points after spending $6,000 on eligible purchases in the first 6 months. Additionally, get 20% back in statement credits on worldwide restaurant purchases in the first 6 months, up to $100 back. Limited-time offer ending 11/6/24.

• American Express® Green Card: Earn 40,000 points after spending $3,000 in the first six months of card membership.

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Alaska Airlines Mileage Plan

Alaska Airlines collaborates with Japan Airlines, the country's premier carrier, making it a fantastic option for reaching Japan with points and miles. Other partners flying to Japan include American Airlines and Korean Air. First-class tickets are relatively inexpensive compared to other loyalty programs, at only 140,000 miles round-trip. Plus, Alaska Airlines allows a free stopover on international flights, enabling you to add an extra city in Japan (or another country) to your itinerary without extra miles.

• Economy Class: 60,000 miles round-trip

• Business Class: 100,000 miles round-trip

• First Class: 140,000 miles round-trip

Unfortunately, earning Alaska miles can be challenging since the Mileage Plan doesn't link with major transfer programs. However, you can use two co-branded credit cards to accumulate enough miles for a trip to Japan. While it may not be sufficient for a first-class ticket, you can earn enough for either economy or business class.

• Alaska Airlines Visa® credit card: Purchase one ticket and get another for just taxes and fees ($0 fare plus taxes starting from $23), along with 40,000 bonus miles. To qualify, make $3,000 or more in purchases within the first 90 days of opening your account.

• Alaska Airlines Visa® Business credit card: Earn 50,000 bonus miles, a $100 statement credit, and Alaska's Famous Companion Fare™ ($99 fare plus taxes starting from $23) after making $3,000 or more in purchases within the first 90 days of account opening.

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Virgin Atlantic Flying Club

Virgin Atlantic Flying Club is an excellent option for traveling to Japan affordably with points and miles. The program offers some of the most competitive business class award rates—you can even fly with All Nippon Airways, which boasts one of the finest business class experiences available. The airline’s “The Room” seat provides a fully-enclosed suite that rivals many premier first-class offerings. The best part? It only costs 90,000-95,000 miles for a round-trip.

• Economy Class: 60,000-65,000 miles for a round-trip

• Business Class: 90,000-95,000 miles for a round-trip

• First Class: 145,000-170,000 miles for a round-trip

While Virgin Atlantic’s award prices to Japan are higher than those of ANA, there’s a significant advantage: Virgin Atlantic Flying Club points are among the easiest to accumulate. You can transfer these points at a 1:1 ratio from several programs, including American Express Membership Rewards, Bilt Rewards, Capital One, Chase Ultimate Rewards, and Citi ThankYou. Many of these programs provide enough points from welcome bonuses to fund at least one round-trip ticket to Japan:

• The Business Platinum Card® from American Express: Earn 150,000 Membership Rewards® points after spending $20,000 on eligible purchases in the first 3 months of Card Membership.

• The Platinum Card® from American Express: Earn 80,000 points after spending $8,000 within the first six months of card membership.

• Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card: Earn 75,000 bonus miles after spending $4,000 within the first three months from account opening.

• Capital One Venture X Credit Card: Earn 75,000 bonus miles after spending $4,000 within the first three months from account opening.

• American Express® Business Gold Card: Earn 100,000 Membership Rewards® points after spending $15,000 on eligible purchases in the first 3 months of Card Membership.*

• American Express® Gold Card: Earn 60,000 Membership Rewards® Points after spending $6,000 in the first 6 months. Additionally, receive 20% back in statement credits for eligible restaurant purchases worldwide within the first 6 months, up to $100 back. Limited time offer ending 11/6/24.

• American Express® Green Card: Earn 40,000 points after spending $3,000 in the first six months.

• Chase Sapphire Reserve®: Earn 60,000 bonus points after spending $4,000 in the first 3 months. That's $900 toward travel when redeemed through Chase Travel℠.

• Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card: Earn 60,000 bonus points after spending $4,000 in the first 3 months. That's $750 when redeemed through Chase Travel℠.

• Citi Premier® Card: Earn 60,000 points after spending $4,000 in the first three months.

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American Airlines AAdvantage

American Airlines is the only domestic airline that continues to provide an award chart. This is particularly beneficial for those saving for a trip to Japan, as you'll know precisely how many points are needed, no matter the travel dates. AAdvantage offers competitive pricing for flights to Japan, with numerous direct flights available, and you can also use miles to book with Japan Airlines.

• Economy Class: 70,000 miles for a round-trip

• Business Class: 120,000 miles for a round-trip

• First Class: 160,000-190,000 miles for a round-trip

Earning American AAdvantage miles is relatively straightforward, thanks to various credit cards offered by Citi and Barclays. With just 1-2 credit card welcome bonuses, you can accumulate enough miles for at least one round-trip ticket. Additionally, American is a 1:1 transfer partner of Bilt Rewards, although the Bilt Mastercard does not currently provide a sign-up bonus.

• Citi® / AAdvantage® Executive Mastercard®: Receive 100,000 bonus miles after spending $10,000 in the first three months after account opening.

• CitiBusiness® / AAdvantage® Platinum Select® Mastercard®: Get 65,000 bonus miles after spending $4,000 within the first four months of opening your account.

• Barclays AAdvantage® Aviator® Red World Elite Mastercard®: Earn 50,000 bonus miles after making your first purchase and paying the $99 annual fee within the first 90 days.

• Citi® / AAdvantage® Platinum Select® Mastercard®: Acquire 50,000 bonus miles after spending $2,500 within the first three months of opening your account.

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Hotels in Japan that you can book with points

Japan boasts an abundance of fantastic hotels, many of which can be booked using points. The four major hotel chains—Hilton, Hyatt, IHG, and Marriott—offer properties across Japan, allowing you to redeem your loyalty points for great value. There's truly something for everyone, from budget travelers to luxury seekers and families.

No matter where you find yourself in Japan, you'll discover numerous excellent hotels available for booking with points, thanks to a range of premium hotel credit cards.

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Stop 1: Tokyo

Your journey will likely begin in Tokyo, a vast hotel market. We suggest the iconic Park Hyatt Tokyo, renowned from the film Lost in Translation. Room rates start at just 25,000 Hyatt points per night, allowing you to cover up to two nights with the welcome bonus from the World of Hyatt Credit Card or the Chase Sapphire Preferred Card.

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Stop 2: Kyoto

Next, consider taking a train to Kyoto, where Marriott’s The Chapter Hotel offers an excellent blend of luxury and value. Although Marriott has stopped publishing an award chart, you can book The Chapter Kyoto for about 50,000 points per night. Additionally, Marriott provides a fifth night free on award stays, encouraging longer visits to explore the area. The Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant® American Express® Card* can assist you in covering up to two nights at this hotel.

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Stop 3: Osaka

When you're ready to head to Osaka, the Conrad Osaka by Hilton provides a lavish escape from the city's hustle. Rooms at this upscale hotel are priced around 95,000 points per night. You can secure at least one complimentary night at the Conrad Osaka using the welcome bonus from the Hilton Honors American Express Surpass® Card*. This card also grants automatic Gold elite status and perks such as free breakfast and room upgrades. Plus, you can earn an extra free night award annually after spending $15,000 each year.

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Stop 4: Hakone

No visit to Japan is truly complete without enjoying an Onsen bath, and the Hotel Indigo Hakone Gora provides this luxurious experience right in your spacious room. Conveniently situated just an hour from Mt. Fuji, it serves as an ideal base to explore the stunning scenery. The hotel even offers a complimentary shuttle from the Odawara train station, making it easy to reach as you head back to Tokyo.

The Hotel Indigo Hakone Gora typically costs around 65,000 points per night, depending on the season. You can cover up to two nights using the welcome bonus from the IHG One Rewards Premier Credit Card or by transferring points from the Chase Ultimate Rewards program.

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Activities and transportation options across Japan

Even if your flights and accommodations are paid for with points, the costs for activities and transportation in Japan can add up quickly. Whether you're interested in a food tour in Tokyo or traveling across the country on the famous bullet train, these expenses can also be covered using points and miles.

Several loyalty programs allow you to use points for expenses categorized as travel. For instance, both the Capital One Venture and Capital One Venture X cards enable you to redeem miles for travel purchases at a rate of one cent each. Alternatively, you can use your Chase Ultimate Rewards points for tours, transport, and activities through the Chase Travel℠ portal, where points are worth 1.25 cents each with the Chase Sapphire Preferred Card and 1.5 cents each with the Chase Sapphire Reserve.

While redeeming points for flights and hotels often yields better value, you can also use them for tours and activities to stretch your travel budget. Points and miles are designed to help you save on travel, so feel free to utilize them when it makes sense.

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Final thoughts

With the help of points and miles, your trip to Japan can be both affordable and enjoyable. Programs like ANA Mileage Club and Alaska Airlines Mileage Plan make it possible to book flights at low costs, making business and first class accessible. By employing an effective credit card strategy, you can fund both your airfare and hotel stays, leaving you with extra money to indulge in delicious meals and explore the wonders of this stunning country.

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* Eligibility and benefit levels vary by card. Terms, conditions, and limitations apply. For more information, please visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide. Underwritten by Amex Assurance Company.

Editorial note: The views expressed here are solely those of the author and do not reflect the opinions of any bank, credit card issuer, airline, or hotel chain. These entities have not reviewed, approved, or endorsed this content.